ATTEMPT TO FIRE THE SHIP CHAPMAN.

Evening Post, Issue 106, 12 June 1865, Page 2

ATTEMPT TO FIRE THE SHIP CHAPMAN.

This Morning an attempt was mads to destroy tbtß fine vessel,' wnich has only lately arrived in harbour from England. Her commander has been singularly unfortunate in his selection of a crew, no fewer than eight of the men brought with him from England undergoing various sentences at the present moment in otif'gaol for disorderly conduct during the voyage out. At two o'clock this morning an alarm was raised of fire in the forehold, when .the captain got up and had the fire engine. ngged ; he immediately went below and found the fire burning some distance from the scuttle; the smoke being great Broken cases previously plundered were burning, and the hose was brought into play, until the, fire was completely extin. guishid. A man, named Phillips, and a boy of the name' of Shea were put in irons, and sent on shore to the police authorities, when the master underwent investigation before the Resident Magistrate. Wm, Russell, a

seaman, deposed that he was on watch, and engaged in the act of trimming a lamp when he heard a man shout-for help, and on going to the foreßcuttle, where the fire was, saw Phillips, whom he helped out at his own request, and went and reported him to the mate and captain. Saw cases on fire which ha<i been broken open, and cans of oil lying near. lie never saw prisoner below in that part of the vessel before, but on one occasion he attempted to go down, but was not permitted. The prisoner denied having kin.lled the fire. He said he flaw somebody go into the hold with a candle, who hid him pnss buckets of water, which he did, and then went to his bunk. Phillips was folly committed for trial and Shea discharged.